Support Groups
Homeschoolers have created networks of support to provide a way to make friends, get ideas and information, and to offer positive socialization opportunties to their children. You can join in! There are many groups to choose from, many with specific affiliations, like Christian groups or unschoolers' groups. Some are eclectic, inclusive, and open to anyone. Whatever your interest, you are sure to find other like-minded parents. And if you don't find what you are looking for, we've put together tips for starting your own group.
Local & State Groups
Support groups offer a way for those interested in homeschooling or new to home education to get information and support. They also offer opportunities for social activities, group learning, and networking. Find a support group near you in Tennessee.
National Groups
Tap into the national homeschool movement by connecting with these national homeschool groups and support organizations.
Social Media
Connect with other homeschooling using social networking tools. You can share tips and ideas, get support, collaborate on lesson plans, upload photos, and much more.
Co-Ops
A co-op offers a way to share teaching duties with others who are excited and knowledgeable about a subject. It also offers an opportunity for your children to learn in a group and to make friends. Browse through this list of co-ops in Tennessee.
Umbrella/Cover Schools
An umbrella or cover school provides an alternative way for parents to fulfill governmental educational guidelines and requirements. Most offer a variety of services, which can include curricula, social activities, field trips, standardized testing, portfolio reviews, evaluations, and graduation materials, including diplomas. While umbrella schools do tend to the needs of homeschoolers, they are considered a type of private school in most states.
Resource Centers
Homeschool resource centers offer classes, materials, field trips, and other activities for parents and children alike. They are great ways to get new information, engage in group activities, and network with other homeschoolers.
Public School Programs
Public schools are increasing offering programs to appeal to homeschooling families, from classes to educational materials to computer and distance learning. In most cases, students enrolled in these programs are considered public school students rather than homeschoolers. Learn more about these programs and decide if these are right for your family.
Group Management
Learn how to start and manage a homeschool support group, including how to stay organized, how to handle conflict, and ideas for your support group.
What's Popular
Homeschool Hideout
This local e-mail support lists serves homeschoolers in Tipton County and the surrounding areas. Members plan and post field trips, swap resources, share prayer requests, ideas, questions, and encouragment.
North Alabama Trailblazers
North Alabama Trailblazers is a group of homeschooling families in Madison, Morgan, Limestone, AL, and Lincoln, TN, counties, meeting together for mutual socialization and companionship of children and parents alike. Offers field trips, seasonal and holiday parties, play days, and other activities.
Tennessee Unschooling
Email group designed to facilitate conversations between unschoolers in Tennessee.
Ebony Homeschoolers
Located in Memphis, Tennessee, Ebony Homeschoolers is a Christian homeschool support fellowship established to strengthen and encourage the African-American homeschooling family.
Blessed Sacrament Homeschool Group (BSHG)
Blessed Sacrament Homeschool Group is a Catholic homeschool support group that has members in the Memphis Metro area, including North Mississippi, Eastern Arkansas, and other parts of West Tennessee. The Blessed Sacrament Homeschool Group is dedicated to encourage and enhance children with a nurturing, helpful, supportive, and loving family environment, based on the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
TriCities Family Unschooling Network
TriCities Family Unschooling Network welcomes unschoolers, unschool-learning, and unschool-curious in the Tri-Cities area of East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
Chattanooga Southeast Tennesse Home Education Association (CSTHEA)
CSTHEA (Chattanooga/Southeast Tennessee Home Education Association) is the local chapter of the state homeschooling association THEA (Tennessee Home Education Association). CSTHEA serves families in the southeastern corner of Tennessee, the northernwestern part of Georgia and the northeastern part of Alabama. CSTHEA serves the following southeast Tennessee counties: Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, Polk, Rhea, Sequatchie, Van Buren, and Warren as well as Northwest Georgia and Northeas...
Homeschoolers of Memphis Eclectic (HOMe)
Homeschoolers of Memphis eclectic’s mission is to connect homeschooling families through an inclusive local group that encourages members to share resources, learn together and build a diverse community. Homeschoolers of Memphis eclectic is inclusive. The network’s membership includes various ethnicities and cultures, divergent spiritual and religious worldviews, assorted political and social philosophies, and a broad range of educational approaches involving children from all levels of ability ...
amie network
The amie network is for Christian homeschooled teenage girls. Members of the amie network receive a monthly newsletter, have opportunities to meet and connect with other homeschooled teens, and receive support and encouragement.
Association of Greater Appalachian Parent Educators (AGAPE) of Johnson City/Washington County
AGAPE is the acronym for Association of Greater Appalachian Parent Educators. It is commonly referred to as AGAPE of JC because it began and is presently centered in Johnson City, Tennessee. Agape is the oldest homeschooling support group in the TriCities and is a Christian homeschool support group. They offer field trips, family activities, Enrichment Days, lending library, Mom’s Night Out, and classes.
East Tennessee LDS Homeschoolers
This is an eclectic group of homeschoolers who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and live in Greater Knoxville/East Tennessee Area.
Memphis Area Home Education Association (MAHE)
MHEA is a Christian organization dedicated to serving home educators by providing support, encouragement and assistance, advancing home schooling, and helping to safeguard and promote parental authority in education. They monitor legislation, lobby for the homeschool community, and act as a liaison between homeschoolers and public officials. They also sponsor a high school graduation, sports programs, cheerleading, honor society, field day, a science fair, and a senior high banquet.
Three Rivers Homeschool Network
The Three Rivers Homeschool list functions to connect homeschooling families and their support groups in western Kentucky, southern Illinois, and northwest Tennessee. Its purpose is to keep families aware of the opportunities for support and enrichment available within a roughly 60 mile radius of Paducah, KY.
East Tennessee Secular Homeschoolers (ETSH)
This group is for parents in East Tennessee who wish to homeschool/unschool their children with a secular approach.
Memphis Homeschool Internet Support (MHIS)
This is a Christian email group serving families in the Memphis/Shelby County area. Here you'll find field trip ideas, help with teaching, the opportunity to buy and sell curriculum, fellowship, support, and more.
Featured Resources
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Creative Home Schooling: A Resource Guide for Smart Families
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Kingdom of Children : Culture and Controversy in the Homeschooling Movement (Princeton Studies in Cultural Sociology)
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